King Kobra

King Kobra is an American hard rock band, founded by drummer Carmine Appice after his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne from 1983 to 1984.[1] During the time of their first two albums, the band consisted of four relatively unknown musicians that included vocalist Marcie Free, guitarist David Michael-Philips, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod.[1] After two albums on Capitol records—Ready to Strike (November 9, 1985) and Thrill of a Lifetime (1986)—and an independent release entitled King Kobra III in 1988, Appice decided to dissolve the band and join guitarist John Sykes on his Blue Murder project in 1989.[2][3]

For the snake, see King cobra.
King Kobra
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresGlam metal, heavy metal, hard rock
Years active1983–1989
2000–2001
2010–present
LabelsCapitol
New Renaissance
Frontiers
Associated actsRatt
Hawk
BulletBoys
Blue Murder
Unruly Child
MembersCarmine Appice
David Michael-Philips
Johnny Rod
Paul Shortino
Past membersMarcie Free
Mick Sweda
Johnny Edwards
Jeff Northrup
Larry Hart
Kelly Keeling
Steve Fister

In 2010, a new King Kobra emerged, with Carmine Appice on drums, Paul Shortino taking over vocal duties, Mick Sweda on guitar, David Henzerling (a.k.a. David Michael-Philips) on guitar, and Johnny Rod on bass. This lineup released an eponymous album, King Kobra, in 2011 on Frontiers Records, and another album in 2013 entitled King Kobra II.[4]

The band went on hiatus following the release of their 2013 album, largely due to the other commitments of the individual band members. They did, however, play live gigs in 2016 sans Mick Sweda.

Members

Current

Former
  • Marcie Free - lead vocals (1983-November 1986)
  • Mike Wolf - guitar (1983)
  • Mick Sweda - guitar, backing vocals, synthesizers (1983-1987, 2000-2001, 2010–2016)
  • Marq Torien - lead vocals (1987)
  • Lonnie Vencent - bass (1986-1987)
  • Larry Hart - bass (1987-1989)
  • Jeff Northrup - guitar (1987-1989)
  • Johnny Edwards - lead vocals (1987-1989)
  • Kelly Keeling - bass, lead vocals, guitars, keyboards (2000-2001)
  • Steve Fister - guitar (2000-2001)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums
  • The Lost Years (1999)
  • Number One (2005 - Re-release of The Lost Years)

Movie soundtracks

Notes
  • Rod left the band and joined W.A.S.P. in 1986.[1]
  • Torien, Sweda, and Vincent left to play together in the band BulletBoys.
  • Free went on to form the bands known as Signal (EMI Records), and Unruly Child (Atlantic/Interscope Records). After coming to terms with her gender dysphoria in 1993 she is now known as Marcie Free.

References
  1. Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who’s Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 189. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  2. "King Kobra (4)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  3. "King Kobra III". Amazon.com. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  4. "King Kobra - II". Metal-temple.com. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
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